Auburn junior fullback Jay Prosch's request to be cleared to play in 2012 has been approved by the NCAA, Auburn announced.

Prosch transferred to Auburn in January from Illinois, to be closer to his ailing mother who lives in Mobile, Ala. He had requested a waiver from the NCAA to make him eligible immediately instead of having to sit out a season, as is usually required when players transfer.

Jay Prosch was chosen a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly as a sophomore and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree. (AP Photo)

"I'm extremely blessed and very thankful to have my waiver cleared by the NCAA," Prosch said in a statement from the university. "I'm excited and can't wait for my mother and family to be able to see me play this fall."

A two-year letterwinner at Illinois, Prosch played in 25 games, starting in 12 for the Illini. He was chosen a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly as a sophomore and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

"We're happy for Jay that his waiver was granted by the NCAA and are appreciative for their understanding of his desire to attend school and play closer to home so that he could spend more time with his family," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said in the statement.

The 6-foot, 253-pound Mobile native attended UMS-Wright High School where he was a two-time All-State selection. UMS-Wright won the Alabama 4A AHSAA state championship his junior year.